Gut Health Secrets: Having a clean stomach does not mean that your intestines are completely healthy, know the real truth about ‘gut health’ from the doctor!

Nowadays, the term ‘gut health’ is heard a lot in the world of health and fitness. But, many misconceptions and myths are also spread among the people regarding this. Most people assume that if their stomach is clean and they do not have gas or constipation, then their gut health is perfect. Whereas the reality is completely different from this. On this subject, Dr. Saad Anwar, Senior Consultant (Gastro Surgery), Apollo Spectra Hospital, has made many shocking revelations and told how people are unknowingly playing with the health of their intestines.

Is ‘gut health’ only a clean stomach?

According to Dr. Saad Anwar, it is the biggest myth that gut health is related only to the stomach. In fact, the collective health of our entire digestive system—which includes the food pipe, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and the billions of microorganisms (good bacteria) present in the intestines—is called gut health. The balance of good bacteria in the intestines, proper digestion of food and complete absorption of nutrients from food are the real hallmarks of a healthy gut.

Why are intestines called the ‘second brain’ of the body?

In medical science, intestines are called the ‘second brain’ of the body. The reason for this is that the intestines are directly related not only to digestion, but also to our mental health and immunity. You will be surprised to know that almost 70 percent of our entire body’s immune system is controlled by our intestines. A healthy gut acts as a shield to protect us from harmful viruses, bacteria and serious infections.

The Confusion of Detox Drinks and Probiotic Supplements

Dr. Saad Anwar says that nowadays it has become a trend among people that they start taking expensive probiotic supplements every day or drinking detox drinks after seeing them on social media and think that their intestines will magically get cured. The doctor has warned that the needs of every person’s body and intestines are different. Making any kind of supplement a part of daily routine without medical advice or examination can cause huge harm instead of benefit.

Health will not improve just by eating curd, complete lifestyle is needed

Another popular myth is that eating a bowlful of curd every day will always keep your gut health 100% healthy. Of course, curd is a natural and excellent source of probiotics, but it is not wise to rely solely on it. According to experts, to keep the intestines strong, it is very important to have abundant fiber in the diet, balanced diet, adequate water, being physically active, regular exercise and 7-8 hours of deep sleep.

The habit of taking antibiotics unnecessarily is very dangerous.

Nowadays people take antibiotics even for minor diseases without consulting the doctor. Doctor Saad Anwar told that this habit is most fatal for the intestines. Along with killing the harmful bacteria in the body, antibiotics also completely destroy the ‘good bacteria’ present in the intestines, which run our digestive and immune systems. Therefore, if any digestive problem persists for a long time, consult a gastro specialist instead of becoming a doctor yourself.